Posts

Nashville's disabled style blogger extraordinaire. Sharing my passion for fashion, style, trends, and a glimpse at life in Nashville while advocating for social awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities. Because fashion is for every body.

And I've been working like a dog - with a dog - and getting by with a little help from my friends.

I usually spend July 4th at home because my neighbors put on a fireworks show that rivals most public displays. This year I got to do something even more special. I got to spend the day with my friend Beth, who also has Cerebral Palsy and writes In Case of Fire Use Stairs. Beth is engaged to a really, really wonderful man who has been studying abroad and is about to come back to the Nashville permanently. In anticipation of his arrival she needed a hand sorting a few things out and I was only too happy to help. I enjoy Beth's company and the fact that she and I are true peers. In many ways she and I are on the same path; just at different points along the journey. We have a lot in common and, although she is roughly half my age, we are both avid Beatle-maniacs.

Which is why we decided to get together on the 4th of July. The Belcourt theater - a jewel of a place and a downtown institution - was showing the 50th anniversary restored in 4k with 5.1 audio edition of A Hard Day's Night. How could we resist spending our evening there?

But first, a stroll through the Village. The boutiques were all closed for the holiday but it was fun to window shop. I will return when they're open. Instead of the standard red, white and blue I opted for a black and white sequined tank from Express, my Kensie skinny jeans, and white jacket. Who says being patriotic can't be chic?

Me, Jessica, and Beth. Dressed to the nines for an evening with the Fab Four.

As soon as the movie ended the curtain rose and we were treated to a full set of early Beatles songs by a group calling themselves An Early Clue to a New Direction. They normally refer to themselves as the Long Players and they are some of the best musicians in Nashville - or anyplace else, for that matter. It was definitely an evening to remember.

On a more serious note, I was honored to be asked by Tennessee Disability Pathfinder, a free, statewide, information and referral service for persons with disabilities, family members, service providers, and advocates, to talk about the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act as this important piece of legislation approaches it's 25th anniversary. Here's what I had to say:

"It is my hope that the momentum started by the ADA continues in the form of more inclusion on multiple levels. One of the most insidious barriers to physical access is that of businesses and venues that enjoy the exemption of Historical Preservation. Rather than make a few architectural modifications that would grant equal access they resist any changes that may 'threaten to destroy the historic significance of a feature of the building'. The preservation of history at the expense of handicapped accessibility is a discriminatory practice that should not be allowed to stand. In my view it's more important to make positive social progress than it is to uphold a past that is exclusionary and unyielding to the social equality the disabled are attempting to secure for themselves and their future peers."

Last, but certainly not least, Clint and I have decided to foster Rhoda while she undergoes treatment for her heartworm and tick-borne diseases. All eight of her puppies are gorgeous, fat, healthy little rascals waiting for someone to give them their forever home. We are still raising money to cover the vet bills, which are mounting as we speak. Please consider going without your latte or brown bagging your lunch for a day or two and kicking in a few dollars at #SaveRhoda's GiveForward page. If you'd like to adopt one of her puppies you can write to Robyn's Nest to request an application.

At 70+ pounds Rhoda is a big dog for someone like me to try and manage, but she's worth the effort. She wants to cuddle with me all the time, and I'm happy to oblige because we need to keep her calm until she finishes her treatment. We're teaching her what is and isn't acceptable behavior as well. This is my little couch, not her dog bed, but she climbed up to exactly where I had been sitting and passed out. I allowed it, just this once. She has over 100 days of treatments ahead of her. We'll get her through it.

Spashionista

Nashville's disabled style blogger extraordinaire, a 50+ fashionista with Cerebral Palsy who wants women of all ages and abilities to feel beautiful.

With Spashionista I hope to share all of my passions expressed in my town with my physical limitations at my stage in life. That includes fashion and trends and giveaways geared towards older, curvier, and disenfranchised woman. But it also includes a glimpse at life in Nashville, which is one of the fastest-growing, cosmopolitan cities in the southern US, and a steady push towards social awareness and acceptance of the disabled. I believe a narrative that advocates for positive, lasting social changes can be entertaining as well as enlightening.

Lunch with @miltonwhite, @tribetalent and @kendalllparker. Pretty sure we could rule the world together - and make everyone look and feel fabulous in the process. Wearing vintage and channeling Chanel. *
*
*
#nashvillefashion #fashionstylist #dangerousduo #fashionisforeverybody #ffeb19

Had lunch today with the lovely @9athomas. She gifted me this Bowie illustration from an adult coloring book she finished herself. This is the fourth piece of Bowie art I've been given in the last six months. Time to dedicate some serious wall space to this collection. *
*
*
#BowieForever #nashville #adultcoloringbook #inspiration #davidbowie #Bowie

My friends are more talented than yours. This lovely lady's brand @aladyofthelake graced @fashionis4everybody's last runway show and will be showing for the first time at Nashville Fashion Week in April. You don't want to miss out! Link to tickets in bio. *
*
*
#nashville #cerebralpalsy #wheelchairmodel #nashvillefashion #whynfw

About. This. Jacket. SO me! Only my dear friend and fellow miscreant @anyoldiron can make purple and black sequins look this chic. No wonder he's this year's Rising Star at Nashville Fashion Week. Come see for yourself on Friday, April 5th when his latest collection drops at NFW. Get your tickets now! *
*
*
#dresslikearockstar #nashvillefashion #cerebralpalsy #fashionisforeverybody #wheelchairmodel

Here I am sporting my new @buddybagbestie It's a great way to carry around your water or your phone without looking like a dork doing it. That's especially important when your wheelchair dependent. We all want to look cool right? The Buddy bag stretches to accommodate a drink or your phone or wallet. Basically anything you need on hand, so you don't have to worry about juggling or losing those little items. A hands-free experience is really important to wheelchair users especially those in manual chairs that push themselves. *
*
*
#nashville #cerebralpalsy #wheelchairmodel #buddybag #festivalgear #handsfree

Got any plans for Thursday night? Come on out to track one to see this one-of-a-kind fashion show featuring some of Nashville's most innovative designers . I will be one of the judges and the early word is that it's going to be a tough job! Proceeds for the show go to @snooty_giggles dog rescue. Because you know I'm all about the doggies and you should be too! Get your tickets at www.roguefashionshow.com

I am honored to be featured in @connie.mcleod's book, Ģrowing Your Creativity. It's a workbook to help you live your life with joy by tapping into your own creativity. My story is in the section about embracing your flaws and overcoming obstacles. Are you curious yet? I encourage you to check out her profile for the link to the book. *
*
*
#therealwonderwoman #growingyourcreativity #cerebralpalsy #wheelchairmodel #fashionblogger #fashionisforeverybody

Panama Hats and beaded hair-tie bracelets from @banded2gether, black and white reversible sequins from @anyoldiron, and camel and white on @kendalllparker. What's not to love here? It gets even better. Every purchase from banded2gether provides three meals to a child in need. These hats are adjustable and affordable and the perfect accessory, and the hair-tie bracelets are as beautiful on your wrist as they are in your hair. They make great holiday presents (even if you give them to yourself) 😉
Just to prove the point I am giving one of these hats away. The winner will have their choice of Bold Silver, Wild Palomino, or Urban Shadow. To enter, follow @banded2gether, @spashionista and @fashionis4everybody on Instagram, then leave a comment on this thread. I will pick a winner on Thursday, November 27th. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
*
*
*
*
#banded2gether #panamahat #accessories #holidaygiftideas #hairaccessories #bandedwomen

I’m glad that companies are thinking about adaptive clothing but some of what they are calling adaptive does not pass my muster. #adaptiveclothing #cerebralpalsy #bodypositive #disabilityawareness #inclusivefashion #disability

I was asked to speak to @runwayofdreams about marketing as it pertains to disability. Here is a small clip of what I had to say. Let me know if you want to hear more! #runwayofdreams #fashion #inclusivefashion #disabilityawareness #bodypositive #adaptiveclothing #cerebralpalsy

Honored to be featured on @beautifulstrength_org today! If you haven't yet go follow them right now. I 💜📷@annettekmcnamara and her #borntobeabadass attitude!
*
*
*
#nashville #cerebralpalsy #wheelchairmodel #beautifulstrength #badass

A Night in Paris was a huge success! If you don't know who @realalphonsemucha is I can't hang with you. Come and see four pieces by Mucha and a myriad of art, fashion and sculpture by the Parisian bohemians circa 1900, aka old school punks, at the Frist until January 6th #fristparis #fristfriday #nashville #artnouveau #alphonsemucha

It’s that time again. Come join me at the Nashville Fashion Week kick off party . @nashfashweek #whynfw #nashville #fashion